Sunday, 20 February 2011 18:41

Beatification of Pope John Paul II

 

The beatification of Pope John Paul II will take place at the Vatican on 1st May 2011, second Sunday of Easter. 

 

Huge crowds are expected in Rome during the three-day celebration, thanks to the great popularity and affection that the memory of Karol Wojtyla is still inspiring more than five years after his death. It has been estimated that up to two millions people may come for this special event.

 

If planning a visit to Rome consider that many hotels are increasing prices during the days of Pope John Paul's canonization. 

 

The schedule of the celebration as released by the Holy See, will be the following:

 

  • Saturday 30 April, Circus Maximus in Rome: 20.00 – 21.00 Preparation to the Vigil. 21.00-22.30 Vigil led by Cardinal Agostino Vallini. Pope Benedicte XVI will participate through live video from the Vatican

  • Sunday 1 May, Saint Peter’s Square in Rome 10.00: Rite of the Beatification of Pope John Paul II administered by His Holiness Pope Benedicte XVI. The ceremony is free and no tickets will be issued, though the access to the site will be regulated by the public authority

  • Following the religious function, the remains of Pope John Paul II will be exposed inside Saint Peter’s Basilica, in front of the Altar of Confessions, until the flow of the religious will last

  • Monday 2 May, Saint Peter’s Square in Rome 10.30: Holy Mass and closing of the Rite of the Beatification led by Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone. 

 

Participation to all events is absolutely free, although it has been reported in the Italian news that some tourguides were selling fake tickets to attend to the canonization rite for more than 150 Euro each.  

 

In occasion of these celebrations, the Vatican Museums will have special opening hours: 26, 27, 28, 29 April and 2 May, the Museums will be open also from 7.00 pm to Midnight (last admission at 10.00 pm). For these extended hours it will bot be possible to make reservations. 

 

Pope John Paul II reigned as Supreme Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church from 16 October 1978 until his death on 2 April 2005. His was the second-longest documented Papacy. He was born in the Polish town of Wadowice in 1920 and has been the first non-Italian Pope after four centuries, since Dutch Pope Adrian VI in 1522.

 

 

 

 

Pope John Paul II

 

 

 

 

Saint Peter's Basilica 

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